Saudi Tourism Authority Boosts Travel Trade with India

Saudi Arabia has boosted its trade tourism ties with India with recent events organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority.

In August, the Saudi tourism bureau organized several networking events across key cities in India. These included the cities of Ahmedabad, Deli, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

The multi-city event aims to establish and further promote Saudi Arabia as a leading travel destination for the Indian market. Moreover, with it, the Saudi Tourism Authority hopes to strengthen its relationship and partnerships with travel professionals in India. In addition, the tourism authority wishes to share firsthand knowledge and insights to encourage the creation of unique travel experiences.

About Saudi Tourism Authority’s multi-city event

The networking events started in the city of Ahmedabad and ended in Kolkata. During the series of events, the tourism agency highlighted the kingdom’s rich heritage, as well as its many leisure activities. In addition, they also emphasized opportunities for corporate travel, as well as the importance of religious tourism.

In Mumbai, in particular, a total of 55 travel agents and leading travel industry companies shared insights in a forum. The forum also allowed them to cultivate new tie-ups.

Similarly, in Delhi, the event welcomed 50 visitors who represented different travel entities and tour agencies. At the event, the Saudi Tourism Authority launched a presentation about the different attractions in Saudi Arabia, such as the much-awaited Jeddah Season.

Moreover, the presentation also shone the spotlight on adventure tourism and the kingdom’s growing number of luxury accommodations. Other activities of interest at the Delhi event were the harmonica workshop and the personalization services of an expert calligrapher.

These initiatives by the Saudi Tourism Authority underscore its determination to create strong, lasting long-term partnerships with Indian travel entities.

Opening Saudi Arabia to the world

On top of these, Saudi Arabia has also made it easier for travelers from India to travel to the kingdom. For instance, Saudi Arabia has introduced different visas to facilitate smoother travel access. These include the electronic visa (e-visa), visa-on-arrival, and the stopover visa (transit visa).

The e-visa is available to Indian passport holders who have an active US, UK, or Schengen visit visa. The visit visa must have been used at least once. It is also available to Indian passport holders who have eligible dual citizenship or those who are permanent residents in the US, UK, or the EU.

Another visa that supports the goals of the Saudi Tourism Authority is the Saudi visa-on-arrival. Similarly, the visa-on-arrival is open to Indian passport holders with eligible dual citizenship or US, UK, or EU resident status. In the same way, they are also eligible if they have an active US, UK, or Schengen visit visa with at least one entry stamp.

The Saudi stopover visa, meanwhile, is available to Indian passport holders who are passing through Saudi Arabia. They must have a layover or stopover in the kingdom that is between 12 to 96 hours.

Meanwhile, Indian passport holders who do not meet these criteria are free to apply for a standard Saudi visa. They can do so via VFS Tasheer centers across the country.

These initiatives by the Saudi Tourism Authority not only clearly establish its strong ties with India. It also underscores Saudi Arabia’s broader goal of attracting at least 150 million visitors yearly by 2030.

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